THE PLACE: This prime corner bar space has changed hands many times in the last few years, but it’s current tenant is possibly the most major player in the cocktail scene that has inhabited this space in recent memory. ¡Superbueno! has been beloved by those in the drinks industry and in 2024, it was named Best New Cocktail Bar at the very prestigious Tales of the Cocktail. The vibe can be very laid-back or a full-on house party depending on the day and time. I like that they open earlier (4pm on weekdays, 2pm on weekends) then other similar bars in the neighborhood.
THE MENU: The flavors are all Mexican-inspired and the cocktails incorporate lots of savory ingredients. If left to my own accord, I might have gone with the Mushroom Margarita or the Mole Negroni (although not a terribly new combination) or maybe even the Roasted Corn Sour. But upon asking the attentive server for a unique recommendation, she shocked me by offering up the Vodka y Soda. She promised me it was the most interesting cocktail on their menu.
THE DISH: I would have probably chosen the Vodka y Soda dead last when it came to their cocktails, but thanks to the server’s enthusiasm, I decided to take a gamble. To be fair, this is more than just vodka and soda. The soda part comes in the form of clarified guava syrup which gives the sweet tropical fruit a clean and soft texture. Even the vodka is not just vodka – the neutral spirit is infused with pasilla and guajillo peppers. Then the drink is mixed with sweet velvet falernum, carbonated, and given a guava salt rim. It’s sweet/sour/spicy and very surprising and refreshing. It’s about as close to a vodka and soda as apple juice is to an IPA. Price: $20.50
| ¡SUPERBUENO! |
| 13 First Avenue (at East 1st Street), East Village (347) 866-7739 |
| superbuenonyc.com |
